By The Roar
November 28th 2009 @ 12:38am
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The Roar’s Wallabies Vs Wales live blog
Wallabies v Ireland, Croke Park November 16, 2009. Wallabies drew with Ireland 20 all. Photo by Pothale
It is shaping as a critical match for the Australians, so join The Roar’s live blog on Sunday morning at 4.15am as we watch the Wallabies take on Wales in their final clash of this year’s grand slam tour.
Wales will be confident coming off a 33-16 defeat of Argentina last weekend.
The Wallabies, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back following last week’s shock 9-8 loss at the hands of Scotland. The pressure will be on the Aussie players to retain their spots in the team.
Can the Wallabies round out 2009 with a win?
Watch the match on TV and leave comments and interact with other Roar readers in real time here from Sunday at 4.15am onwards.
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(73)
bennalong said | November 28th 2009 @ 6:56pm | Report comment
WELL KO, POTHALE,
As NH observers not immediately involved, what’s going to happen.
Cast some pearls gents
Knives Out said | November 28th 2009 @ 9:30pm | Report comment
Ireland by 6
Wales by 6
NZ by 10
Parisien said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:07am | Report comment
If Australia create as many chances and dominate against Wales as they did against Ireland (for 60 minutes) and Scotland, AND actually convert their chances into points, they’ll win, comfortably. If the scores are close with ten minutes to go, you’d have to expect a Wales win, given the Wallabies failures all season to close out matches and take their opportunities. I think we’ll know by halftime and how the Wallabies are playing what the final outcome will be (and I mean no discredit to Wales, au contraire, I think and hope that Wales may bring out the best in the Wallabies). I expect Wales to be a tougher opponent than Ireland or Scotland at this stage of the tour.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:22am | Report comment
What dominance? I missed the game.
http://www.scrum.com/australiatour/rugby/match/91200.html
ohtani's jacket said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:28am | Report comment
Gotta get some sleep before the All Blacks game but I’m not sure Ireland are physical enough to beat the Boks.
Nelson said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:36am | Report comment
Ireland go through the season undefeated. they always looked better with the ball in hand and deserved to win depsite not scoring a try. i thought kearney was immense – there is no doubt he is the best 15 in world rugby right now. it just shows how how having a fullback who is good in the air nullifies the up and under tactic which is something of a blight on the game right now
from a bok perspective its back to reality. there’s no shame in losing to this irish side and they could have still won it had they not missed so many kicks. the scrum finally looked good but the backline (steyn in particular) was exposed again as woeful. there is no doubt this team has some way to go before it can be considered “great” and the worrying thing is that a number of guys are surely coming to the end of their careers.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:38am | Report comment
Nelson – Ireland have only started their season, so they haven’t gone through undefeated yet. But it’s a good start.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:11am | Report comment
Oh Yes! 15-10.
Great Match – in the stadium anyway. Great atmosphere. The Boks out-bokked. Very pleased for Kidney & Co.
Off to have pints with a few saffa fans and watch Wales v Australia. Come on Oz!
Gary said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:19am | Report comment
Digby!!!!!!!!!!
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:31am | Report comment
Where has this team been? Aussies going very well. Welsh pack a bit lame.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:35am | Report comment
Wales are absolutely awful. Australian walkover on the cards. There should be at least 5 tries in this match for them.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:36am | Report comment
I think your right Pothole. This has been along time coming.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:40am | Report comment
Make that at least 7 tries. This isn’t even a contest. This is going to be the worst result for Wales in a long time. Oh dear. Keep going Oz – rub it in.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:40am | Report comment
Wales are not reading the attack. Falling off tackles and no contest in the breakdown.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:41am | Report comment
Or defence is one of the best I have seen for a long time.
nashi said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:42am | Report comment
morning gents, Aussies for once look on their game, Pocock having a blinder
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:43am | Report comment
P.S. one name …Pocock
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:45am | Report comment
Jeez stop giving away penalties, Oz.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:45am | Report comment
Im stoked. Has it finally come together? I want more from cooper.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:46am | Report comment
Oh good, Oz get one back. Looks like Giteau has his boots back on. Oz better not sit back and start thinking of the beach.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:46am | Report comment
Just got to keep it together and play footy…not TOUCH footy. It’ll bring us unstuck
nashi said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:48am | Report comment
scrum carving them up
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:48am | Report comment
Gee the Welsh scrum is being taught a lesson
Rockin Rod said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:49am | Report comment
Man of the match already, theroars DAVID POCOCK
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:51am | Report comment
How the commentator comment about the dislocation of Pococks finger and soccer players. hahaha
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:51am | Report comment
Q Cooper was lucky there as the ball went out the Oz backline and Cooper’s kick was blocked down. Scrum to Wales. Collapses and Barnes says reset. Ball in again and Oz pressure comes on but ball comes out left for Wales. It’s passed out to the wing and high tackle on Welsh player. Wales quick tap and burst forward towards the Oz line. Roberts is impeded and another penalty to Wales. No scrum to them. Oz monster them and Wales concede a free kick. Oz kick to touch. Wales win throw with long ball – out the backline and M Williams is tackled strongly. Wales keep possession. Another phase and Charteris knocks on. Oz scrum. Wales have stabilised somewhat. Still in the Oz half.
nashi said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:52am | Report comment
The Aussies like the way Barnes whistles the game
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:53am | Report comment
Argy bargy at the scrum and Wales conceded a penalty for Williams not binding. Giteau takes the reieving kick up 10 metres short of the 22. Oz win throw and take it into maul but Wales put on pressure and Barnes blows for a Welsh scrum.
2 minutes to half-time. Wales do not want to conceed again.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:54am | Report comment
Gatland’s arrogant selection really comes back to bite him on the bottom. Oh dear, boyo.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:56am | Report comment
Were giving away too many penalties. Its something we just cant square up. Wales should be at zero. Dumb stuff. If it were the ABs wed be in real trouble
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:57am | Report comment
Wales win the put-in and Jones kicks downfield. It’s returned by AAC. Wales run it back. Another kick and AAC cacthes brilliantsly and goes to ground. Barnes pings him for holding on. Jones kicks and it’s now 12-23 – an 11 point margin.
Who’d have thunk? Oz should be out of sight at this stage but are showing signs of brittleness. Pocock had a brilliant first half; Genia has been playing well and Giteaue looks on form.
Should be a good second half.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 3:59am | Report comment
KO I think your right about Gatland. I dont think you should ever be arrogant as a coach…it does come back
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:00am | Report comment
He’s picked the wrong team obviously disrespecting Australia and now look. Bad times.
fred said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:04am | Report comment
wales inept or aust making it look easy?
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:05am | Report comment
A combination I suppose. The selection was wrong and Australia are capitalising. They look fresh, penetrative and motivated. Full credit to them.
nashi said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:00am | Report comment
Not bad, the Aussies actually took most of their chances. Pocock clearly the difference. Aussie backline still spluttering a little, Gits mixing it up with chip kicks, W backline have no idea what’s coming.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:03am | Report comment
But we have a complacency issue. The Wallabies really do make a meal of things at times. Lets see if they can kick on. I still think Gits is on tender hooks. Hes had way to many chances. A guy like him needs to perform week in week out. Being paid the money he gets begs the question of are they paid to much?
Rockin Rod said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:04am | Report comment
Geez how good will Pocock and Genia be at the world cup, 2 more years experience, they are unstoppable now
Rockin Rod said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:12am | Report comment
oh no Pocock off, not a bad replacement but
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:15am | Report comment
Pococks finger injury must have been worse than thought. SMith replaces him for the second half.
Ping pong on-going. and Australia eventially kick it over the try line. 22 drop by Hook. More ping pong.
Jones collects another high one brilliantly and Wales get a penalty and Jones kicks it into touch just over the 22 line. Short throw doesn;t work and Australia take it into a ruck. Australia win a put in going forward. They’re on the 22. Oz win the scrum and Giteau has long kick all the way tot he Welsh 22.
Wales throw in and scrappy ball. Ball goes back and Cooper collects and runs forward. More ping pong. Ball goes over try line and Welsh 22 drop out.
Wales win another penalty and Dean Mumm is not 10 metres from when kick was taken. Penalty spot is just inside the half way line. About 52 metres. Hook steps up but it goes wide.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:17am | Report comment
This kicking thing needs to be looked at. Silly stuff. Ball in hand.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:17am | Report comment
Wales make subs. Adam Jones comes on.
Brilliant run forward by Steve James who chips and collects and Wales win a penalty.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:19am | Report comment
Stephen Jones misses a kick within his range, Australia getting lucky.
Wales are electing run the ball back and it’s paying dividends – sort of.
But we’re back to more ping pong. All the fizz has gone out of the game.
lcroft said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:20am | Report comment
umm…i’m no expert but what’s with all the kicking?
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:23am | Report comment
Wales make a burst and then go through about 20 phases around the Oz 22 and make one metre for their efforts. Australia turnover and relieve.
What a stew of a stodge by the Welsh boys.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:25am | Report comment
There is no purpose to our kicking…nothing. But, our defence is good and scrum…out of control.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:26am | Report comment
Australia splinter the Welsh and gain a penalty.
Giteaue steps up and the scoreboard slowly creaks into action once more. 26-12 to the Wallabies.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:32am | Report comment
No go forward by the Welsh at all. they win ball, it goes out the line and they hardly get over the gain-line. Oz have them pinned in their own half. Welsh put-in. Powell takes off the back, and makes some metres and another penalty. Kick for touch.
Wales win the lineout and ball comes out to Bishop who’s tackled. Giteau kicks forward and there’s a chase on. Oz win it and the ball comes out to Giteau dummies and cuts inside. He passes to TPN who’s over the line and another try. The scoreboard ticks up.
Australia well in the driving seat now. Giteau adds the extras. 34-12 to the Wallabies. Deans might even crack a smile at this point.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:34am | Report comment
Dangerous tackle by Ioane – beyond the horizontal. Jones has a lovely kick right up to the try line. 5 metre throw in.
Wales get it cleanly and Wyn-Jones bursts forward. Oz hold them up. Powell has a go. And he’s held up. Wales win a scrum – 5 metres.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:37am | Report comment
Powell bursts off the back and is tackled. Oz turnover again – Smith having a blinder at burgling.
Welsh lineout just outside Oz 22. Ball is taken up the blindside. Wales putting on pressure as they retain possession.
And then they lose it with a knockon. Oz scrum.
sloane said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:42am | Report comment
So good to see the Wallabies playing with conviction and confidence – good reffing as well. Less whistle.Let’s keep these boyos tryless.
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:51am | Report comment
Well done Wallabies. Good work.
fred said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:55am | Report comment
wallabies made wales look like a club side with nothing to offer;is this the standard of the 6 nations.well done the wallabies and giteau
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:02am | Report comment
Fred – is this the standard of the 6 Nations? What do you think having watched all the Autumn matches?
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:06am | Report comment
After the France v ABs game, we might just be able to see how it will fall out.
pothale said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:31am | Report comment
Well so far, it’s:
SH = 7W 1D 10L
NH = 10W 1D 7L
mitzter said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:58am | Report comment
Good work wallabies. But man Barnes was a bad ref. I didn’t understand where some of his calls came from both ways
MarkH said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:59am | Report comment
Yeah absolutly. These guys deserve a bit of credit for that display. I would suggest that they have the best defence Ive seen for a long time. Very organised and controled.
Great stuff.
cookee said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:02am | Report comment
wales hopeless,no depth?they will be looking for a new defence coach after this game.
wallabies average but far too good for wales
Ryan said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:08am | Report comment
Great win by the Wallabies and even better to see Gits with a man of the match performance, that should keep some of the haters at bay. Well done, enjoy the summer.
Rockin Rod said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:12am | Report comment
Great win wallabies, even better with Gits at second receiver. Enjoy the break, Super 14 kicks of in 10 weeks
Ads said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:17am | Report comment
Wasn’t it funny that every time Gits broke the line it was from the 12 spot…Maybe Deans might actually make the switch permanent and give Gits a chance to play his natural game. Great defense. Forwards were outstanding, Awesome win boys!
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:24am | Report comment
I was thinking the exact same thing! Giteau makes the break from second receiver… somebody learn from it.
Giteau was good today. He had a very good game.
Jiffy’s commentary is just splendid too.
sloane said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:16am | Report comment
Guys – get your Tahs memberships – we are going to have a great 2010 Super 14 with Mitchell, Barnes and the boys under the leadership of Phil Waugh
Frank O'Keeffe said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:22am | Report comment
I was watching the game and thinking, “Damn Robbie Deans for resting David Pocock last week”. Then George Smith started playing well too.
Maybe Deans should do what MacQueen did with Cockbain and Finegan. One on early and the other one on later for impact?
Anyway David Pocock is my favourite player right now. Played awesome against Ireland and the first half today as well.
Jameswm said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:28am | Report comment
Look at Australia’s horror NH tour this way
Only Scotland, of all countries, could beat them.
I’ve only seen the last 10 mins of the Aussie game at this stage but how ferocious was our defence? Robinson, Mumm, TPN, even Dunning and QCooper.
Chris K said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:37am | Report comment
For some reason i cant help but think the game would have been different if shane williams hadnt got injured
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 5:44am | Report comment
Argentina beat Scotland and Australia thrash Wales. Which 6N fans are laughing at England now? (Obviously Irish fans can laugh as loud as they want.)
Great defence from Australia. How did they not blow Wales away?
CraigB said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:57pm | Report comment
yeah your right, KO – 4 tries, no points against in the 2nd half. highest winning margin against wales since 91. They didn’t blow them away at all.
Knives Out said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:09pm | Report comment
Australia went to sleep in the 2nd half. They should have won by far more. This is the sort of thing that has been dogging Australia for years – the 80 minute performance. Great win, but it doesn’t consolidate a great deal, and playing in patches certainly won’t be enough having seen NZ yesterday. It’s all well and good to be happy with a good win, but what’s the point in sarcasm when there’s so little to be sarcastic about? Do you want to be the best or do you want two good performances from an entire season?
fred said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:18pm | Report comment
yep wales were woeful and depleted.result inevitable but wallies did it
Terry Kidd said | November 30th 2009 @ 6:00am | Report comment
Guys I was happy with the win but KO is correct we did not put in an 80 minute performance in attack, in defence we did, but in attack we still kicked far too much ball away …. I’m speaking of the apparently aimless midfield up and unders …. the kicking for territory in this game was ok.
Yes, Giteau played 2nd receiver and did well there ….. it is obvious that is where he must play. Genia was brilliant, his service to the backs, excluding one pass, was faultless. Pocock and Smith were both great in the fetcher role. Elsom and Palu both did very well in tight without being eye catching. Mumm had a good game and it was heartwarming to see him contesting some of the Welsh throws, stole one and very nearly got more.
The scrum was monstrous and I now guarentee that every other first tier rugby nation will noe be spending time on how to disrupt the Wallaby scrum. The ABs will struggle with the Oz scrum in 2010 and the Boks will get crunched by it.
Ok, I would like to choof off and hibernate for 10 weeks but the 6N is coming up and I look forward to comment on games from our NH brothers. That was a big hint boys.
Terry Kidd said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:15am | Report comment
No worries KO, has been nice jousting with you and I’ll see you back here in due course. Stay safe and have a great Christmas … just in case if we don’t get to exchange posts in the next few weeks.
All in all, I have enjoyed this NH tour, not just by the Wallabies, but by the Boks and ABs also. Has been interesting to note the Bok performances …. their pack seems to be getting outplayed at the set piece and in the loose …. in the loose is very surprising … are the players a little jaded? We will see come 3N next year.
The ABs seem to be their usual self on a NH tour, if just a touch off the pace of previous AB sides. What happens when McCaw retires?
Both Ireland and France seem to be on the rise. England seem to be stagnating and would be nothing without JW while Wales seriously need to look at their set piece. Scotland will cause some sides headaches at home, but not if they travel.
We seem to be heading into a RWC countdown where there is no dominant team in the world, but 4 or 5 who can all win on their day. Cheers,